What began as a small idea between two passionate chess advocates has quickly grown into a dynamic chess academy serving hundreds of students. Founded by community leader Gelareh Golanbar, together with longtime coach Sloan Setiadikurnia, Grand Knights was born from a shared vision to make chess more than just a game - it would be a bridge between cultures, generations, and families.

At the heart of Grand Knights is an emphasis on personal connection. Gelareh and her team know every student by name. “Chess is a mental sport,” she says, “and the path to mastery isn’t always smooth. We make sure to be present for our families to guide, encourage, and celebrate every step of the journey.” The academy’s coaches provide personalized feedback, review tournament games, and nurture each child’s confidence and focus.

From humble beginnings, Grand Knights now operates from a larger, purpose-designed location that hosts tournaments, workshops, and classes for hundreds of students each week. They offer one of the region’s most comprehensive multi-level training programs, including advanced national teams that consistently shine at state and national tournaments. Grand Knights hosts a free Family Chess Night on the first Friday of every month at Crossroads Mall, welcoming players of all ages to share in the joy of the game. The event has become a beloved Bellevue tradition, offering proof that chess, in the right environment, brings people together.

For Gelareh, chess has been a lifelong source of connection and growth. Born in San Diego and raised in Iran, she grew up in a culture where chess is revered as both an art and a discipline. Yet, no one in her family played until her grandfather brought home a chess set one day. What began as a simple curiosity turned into a beloved family tradition. “From that moment, chess became our favorite pastime,” Gelareh recalls. She spent countless afternoons playing with cousins and friends, entering local tournaments through elementary and middle school and proudly bringing home medals. Although her academic journey later shifted her focus, chess remained a constant and a familiar rhythm at family gatherings symbolizing patience, intellect, and joy.

Nine years ago, Gelareh and her family settled in Bellevue, drawn by the city’s commitment to education and community. She never imagined that one day she would help lead one of the largest chess programs in the area. A pharmacist by training, Gelareh found in chess a different kind of medicine: one that heals through connection, creativity, and critical thinking. “For me, chess is more than a game, it’s a bridge,” she explains. “It connects people, just like music or art. I’ve met more people through chess than I ever could have imagined, and those connections have deeply enriched my life.”

That love for chess naturally extended to Gelareh’s daughters, who began learning the game at Medina Elementary School as early as kindergarten. Their first teacher was Coach Wendy Rupple, a beloved educator who spent more than three decades bringing chess to local classrooms. Gelareh watched as chess helped her daughters build focus, confidence, and joy. They began participating in local tournaments, and it soon became clear that one weekly club meeting at school wasn’t enough to feed their growing passion. Through another chess parent, Gelareh met Coach Sloan, a respected instructor already training many top scholastic players. Her daughters began private lessons and advanced quickly, competing in Washington State and U.S. Chess national tournaments.

“Chess has empowered my daughters in profound ways,” Gelareh says. “It’s taught them to be resilient, to think ahead, and to advocate for themselves. The lessons they’ve learned on the board about strategy, patience, and courage translate into every part of their lives.”

The collaboration between Gelareh and Sloan emerged naturally from a shared goal. Sloan had long dreamed of opening a dedicated center where young players could train seriously in a nurturing, community-based environment. Gelareh brought business acumen, organizational leadership, and a deep passion for education. Together, they launched Grand Knights Chess Academy.

Today, Grand Knights serves hundreds of students from kindergarten through middle school offering small group classes, school-based enrichment programs, seasonal camps, and state and national tournament preparation. While the academy’s focus remains on K–8 learners, it also welcomes adults to select events such as tournaments and family nights, emphasizing that chess is for everyone - regardless of age or experience. 

Looking to the future, Gelareh envisions Grand Knights as a cornerstone of Bellevue’s educational and cultural landscape. “Our vision is to empower young players to reach their full potential, both on and off the board,” she says. “Chess teaches discipline, creativity, and compassion. If we can nurture those qualities in our students, then we’ve already succeeded.”